Release Detail

May 25, 2000 - Corzine Leads Florio Among Likely Dem Voters,
Quinnipiac College Poll Finds;
Only 28 Percent Have Seen Any Debates

Businessman Jon Corzine leads former Gov. James Florio 56 - 30 percent, with 14
percent undecided, among likely Democratic Primary voters in the race for the U.S. Senate
seat in New Jersey, according to a Quinnipiac College Poll released today.

Among all registered Democrats, Corzine leads Florio 47 - 28 percent. This compares
to Corzine's 48 - 33 percent lead among registered Democrats in a May 10 poll by the
independent Quinnipiac College.

By a 43 - 10 percent margin, likely Democratic Primary voters have a favorable opinion
of Corzine, with 20 percent mixed and 26 percent saying they don't know enough to form an
opinion.

Florio has a negative 27 - 36 percent favorability among likely Democratic Primary
voters, with 30 percent mixed and 6 percent saying they don't know enough to form an opinion.

"As Jon Corzine bombards the electorate with unanswered TV ads, Democrats remain
impressed by Corzine and turned off by former Gov. Florio," said Quinnipiac College
Political Science Professor Scott McLean.

"Don't stick the fork into Florio just yet, though. He'll change minds with at least a
few ads of his own. Florio's biggest problem is that there aren't many minds left to change at
this point. Two-thirds of Corzine supporters have made up their minds, and 20 percent of
Corzine voters say they actually are voting against Florio."

Among likely Democratic Primary voters, 52 percent say government experience is
more important for a U.S. Senator, while 25 percent say business experience is more
important.

These same voters are split 43 - 42 percent on whether the 1990 tax increase enacted
by Gov. Florio could have been avoided or whether it was necessary.

"Florio just couldn't get the boost he needed from the debates," Dr. McLean said. "By
keeping the debates off network TV, Corzine's campaign made sure that three-quarters of the
likely voters would never see his performance anyway. Now Corzine's job is to get his new
converts to the polls."

From May 17 - 23, Quinnipiac College surveyed 944 New Jersey registered
Democratic voters, with a margin of error of +/- 3.2 percent. The survey includes 371 likely
Democratic Primary voters, with a margin of error of +/- 5.1 percent.

The Quinnipiac College Poll, directed by Douglas Schwartz, conducts public opinion
surveys in New York, New Jersey and Connecticut as a public service and for research.

Effective May 30, 2000, the Quinnipiac College Poll will become the Quinnipiac
University Poll.

For additional data: www.quinnipiac.edu or (203) 582-5201

4. Is your opinion of former New Jersey Governor James Florio
favorable, unfavorable, mixed, or haven't you heard enough about him?

6. If the Democratic Primary for United States Senator were being held
today and the candidates were James Florio and Jon Corzine for whom would
you vote?

Likely Democratic
Primary Voters

Florio 30%

Corzine 56

DK/NA 14

7. (If answered Florio or Corzine on Q.6) Is your mind made up, or do you think
you might change your mind before the primary?

Likely Democratic Primary Voters

Florio Corzine
Voters Voters

Yes/Made up 50% 68%

No/Might change 50 30

DK/NA - 1

8. (If answered Florio or Corzine on Q.6) Would you describe your support for
(candidate) as strongly favoring him, or do you like (candidate) but with
reservations, or do you support (candidate) because you dislike the other
candidate?

Likely Democratic Primary Voters

Florio Corzine
Voters Voters

Strongly favor 54% 46%

Like with
reservations 39 32

Dislike other
candidate 4 20

DK/NA 3 2

11. Have you seen any of the televised debates between Jon Corzine and
James Florio?

Likely Democratic
Primary Voters

Yes 28%

No 72

DK/NA -

12. (If saw debates Q11.)Who do you think performed better in the debates -
Florio or Corzine?

Among those who saw any debates

Likely Democratic
Primary Voters

Florio 39%

Corzine 48

DK/NA 13

13. (If saw debates Q11.) How important were the debates in helping you decide
how to vote in the Democratic primary for United States Senator - Very important,
somewhat important, not very important, or not important at all?

Among those who saw any debates

Likely Democratic
Primary Voters

Very important 32%

Somewhat important 37

Not very important 21

Not important at all 8

DK/NA 3

14. Do you think it is more important for a United States Senator to
have experience in government or experience in business?

Likely Democratic
Primary Voters

Government 52%

Business 25

DK/NA 23

15. Thinking back to the 1990 tax increase under former Governor
James Florio, do you think that the 1990 tax increase was something
that could have been avoided, or do you think that the 1990 tax
increase was necessary in order to pay for government services?